APNewsBreak: 29 charged in Calif gang indictment

LOS ANGELES 
More than two dozen people were charged Thursday with racketeering conspiracy stemming from an investigation that targeted South Los Angeles gangs controlled by a Mexican Mafia member serving a life sentence for murder.

The 60-count indictment said members of the Harpys street gang engaged in drug trafficking, murder and robberies targeting students at the University of Southern California at the behest of convicted Mexican Mafia member Danny Roman.

Roman gave orders to his daughter and son-in-law, who are both facing charges, which were passed along to gang members to commit crimes, federal prosecutors said.

Roman, who wasn't charged in the indictment, also exerted his authority over a dozen other gangs and orchestrated the extortion of vendors at a swap meet, authorities said.

Roman was convicted of first-degree murder in 1984 and serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole at Pelican Bay State Prison.